Warman looking to bring a Junior-A hockey team in 2014

A feasibility study underway is looking to find out if the City of Warman can sustain a Junior-A hockey team.

The Warman Junior Hockey Committee, led by Jaymon Hill, is currently soliciting potential season ticket holders and corporate sponsorship, to see if they can gather enough support to add a 13th team to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

Bill Chow, president of the SJHL said the Warman committee has been looking at this for about a year, constantly asking questions and finding out financially what's required.

“A new franchise would cost $350,000,” said Chow, adding Warman already meets other requirements, such as having a population over 5,000 and a stadium with more than 1,300 seats.

Paul McGonigal, community services manager with the city said when they invested $22 million into the new Legends Recreation Centre, they hoped one day it would house an elite hockey team.

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“The city supports (the local committee) and we want to make sure it's a viable franchise that can be supported by fans and the corporate world,” said McGonigal, adding the city does not want to be involved with the operations of this franchise.

“Our council wanted to make sure they had a good business plan before the city jumped on board, so this is the beginning of that.”

Chow said Warman is central enough in the province that they would make a great addition to the SJHL as it will give more young players a chance to shine on the ice.

“I can't remember the last time the SJHL had an expansion team,” said Chow.

“The economic times in Saskatchewan are bright and prosperous and with Warman becoming the newest city I think they have a lot of desire to help grow the community and by them having a junior-A hockey team would attract a lot of people because a lot of people like to watch hockey.”

There is not set deadline for the feasibility study.

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